Objects of Procurement Glossary

The following glossary provides the definitions of the Objects of Procurement (OoP), which are essential components for the implementation of a Local Digital Platform (LDP) and a Local Digital Twin (LDT).

Local Digital Platforms form a key component of smart city ecosystems, as they enable the integration of cross-sectoral, historical, and (near) real-time data to support evidence-based decisionmaking at operational, strategic, and tactical levels. These platforms are a standalone Object of Procurement, and its definition is provided in the list below. Through their interaction with different Objects of Procurement (such as Network, IoT devices, Real-time data analytics tool, etc.), LDPs facilitate seamless data collection, integration, and management across multiple city management sectors.

Local Digital Twins, on the other hand, enable 3D virtual representations of physical assets and processes within a geographically located community. LDTs incorporate predictive and simulation models that dynamically adapt as their physical counterparts evolve. Thus, building on the LDPs functionalities, LDTs enable advanced predictive analytics and simulation models, enhancing strategic foresight and scenario planning.

While LDTs can integrate data from LDPs and leverage their data integration capabilities, they are not necessarily dependent on them to function (i.e. relevant data can be uploaded or fed into the Digital Twin as needed). The implementation of an LDT may require the integration of further specific Objects of Procurement, such as “data analytics tool (3D modelling services)” and “prediction and simulation models” which are objects present in the “Backend data SW application” template.

Advanced cloud computing tools:

Advanced cloud computing tools are innovative methodologies that exploit the capabilities of computing systems, such as virtual machines, containers, serverless computing or edge computing.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud computing

Advanced cloud technologies (IaaS):

Advanced cloud technologies, like edge computing, virtual machines, containers, and serverless computing, are used to optimize performance, scalability and efficiency in cloud-based applications (IaaS).

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud connection services (IaaS)

Cloud automatic computing management tool:

Cloud Automatic Computing Management refers to the automated management of computing resources in the cloud, which includes provisioning, scaling, monitoring, and cleaning up resources. These processes are crucial for optimising performance, reducing costs, and maintaining security in a cloud environment.

These tools offer different but complementary functionalities and can be combined to create a highly efficient and automated cloud management environment.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud computing

Cloud automatic storage management tool:

Cloud Automatic Storage Management tools are designed to facilitate the efficient and automated management of storage resources in cloud environments. These tools typically offer functionalities like automated provisioning, data replication, backup and recovery, and performance optimisation. These tools often include features like automatic data tiering, where data is moved between different storage tiers based on access patterns, automated snapshots and backups, and dynamic provisioning to scale storage resources as needed. The choice of a specific tool or service depends on factors like the cloud provider being used, the specific storage requirements of the application, budget constraints, and the level of control and customisation needed.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud storage

Cloud computing measures tool:

Cloud Computing Measures Tools are designed to monitor, analyse, and optimise the performance and utilisation of cloud resources. These tools help ensure efficient operation, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) and regulatory requirements.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud computing

Cloud computing provisioning and cleanup tool:

A cloud computing provisioning and cleanup tool is a software solution specifically tailored to efficiently allocate, configure, and manage computing resources within cloud environments. It facilitates the provisioning of resources to meet application or user demands, while also managing the identification, reclamation, and optimisation of unused resources, thereby optimising resource utilisation, and enhancing performance in cloud-based infrastructures.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud computing

Cloud storage provisioning and cleanup tools:

Cloud Storage Provisioning and Cleanup Tools are specialised software solutions focused on managing cloud storage resources. These tools automate the process of allocating storage space (provisioning) and efficiently releasing it when no longer needed (cleanup). They are used to efficiently manage storage costs and ensuring optimal utilisation of cloud storage resources. These tools often include features like automatic data tiering, where data is moved between different storage classes based on access patterns, and policies for archiving or purging data that is no longer needed. The right tool for a specific use case will depend on the cloud storage provider being used, the volume and nature of the data, and the specific requirements for data management and compliance.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud storage

Cyber threat detection tool:

Threat detection tools are software applications that identify and respond to malicious activities within a network or system. There are different types of tools and different technologies that perform various functions, among which:

1. Endpoint security tools protect individual devices.
2. Network secure tools monitor network traffic.
3. Host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) detect threats on individual systems.
4. Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) detect threats on the network.
5. Security information and event management (SIEM) systems aggregate and analyse security data from multiple sources.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Data and security user-facing applications

Data analytics tool (3D modeling services):

Data analytics tool for 3D modelling are software applications that analyse and visualise data, integrating the data into 3D models. Their basic features involve the integration of the data, advanced analytics, 3D visualisation. Additionally, these tools possess features of simulation and scenario analysis, real-time data monitoring, data sharing.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Backend data SW application

Data backup tool:

Data backup tools are software for creating copies (backups) of important data to safeguard against data loss.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Backend data SW application

Data governance tool:

A data governance tool is a service designed to facilitate and support the implementation, management, and enforcement of data governance processes. It enables to effectively organise, store, retrieve, manipulate, and protect data assets while ensuring appropriate behaviour in their valuation, creation, consumption, and control.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Data and security user-facing applications

Data prediction and simulation models:

Data prediction refers to the process of using statistical or machine learning techniques to forecast future outcomes or trends based on past and current data. Simulation models are mathematical representations of real-world systems or processes used to mimic their behaviour over time. Data prediction and simulation models typically involve running hypothetical scenarios to understand the potential outcomes of different decisions or variables within the system. Specifically, predictive and simulation modelling is a specific application of data prediction, where mathematical models are developed to predict outcomes based on input variables and imitate their behaviour.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Backend data SW application

GDPR compliance tools:

GDPR compliance tools are software solutions that assist the compliance to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is a comprehensive data protection and privacy regulation governing the processing of personal data in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). These solutions automate compliance tasks, including the identification and location of all personal data stored in an IT system; reporting on data types, storage and processing; automation of the collection and recording of data management consent across various consent levels for different data processing activities; data subjects rights management and access to their personal data; data rectification, erasure and restriction requests' management; detection, notification and management of data breaches.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Data and security user-facing applications

IoT devices:

IoT devices are hardware pieces (sensors, actuators, gadgets, appliances, or machines) that are programmed for certain applications and can transmit data over the internet or other networks. They have at least one transducer (sensor or actuator) and one network interface (such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) that permit interfacing with the physical and digital worlds respectively.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: IoT devices

IoT platform:

An IoT platform is an on-premises software suite or a cloud service that monitors, manages, and controls various types of endpoints.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: IoT platform

Local Digital Platform:

Local Digital Platforms are the beating hearts of the urban digital transformation as they connect, analyse, and visualise all data from the urban fabric. They serve as a centralised system for collecting data from various systems, applications, and IoT devices, fostering interoperability and collaboration across different domains. The platforms play a crucial role in supporting smart community initiatives by providing a unified and accessible data repository for decision-making, planning, and optimising urban services and operations.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: User-facing platform

Middleware Software (MW SW):

Middleware is a software that enables programs and databases to work together. It lies between applications and the underlying operating system, and its most basic function is to enable communication between different pieces of software. It enables functionalities such as: data translation and transformation, communication between applications, security, monitoring and management, integration, scalability, and resiliency.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Software development services

Network:

A network refers to the interconnected system of communication pathways that allow various components, devices, and systems to exchange information and data. The procurement of a network comprises hardware components (routers, software itches, cables, and network interface cards), and software (operating systems and network management tools).

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Network infrastructure

Network capacity infrastructure hardware:

Network capacity infrastructure hardware refers to the hardware equipment that enable a network to effectively and efficiently handle a certain a amount of data in a given period of time without compromising its performance, responsiveness or functionality. It comprises hardware components such as: high-performance software itches, high-capacity routers, high-capacity firewalls, highcapacity network interface cards (NICs), and optical cables that can transmit multiple data streams over a single fibre optic cable.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Network infrastructure

Network monitoring tool:

Network monitoring tools are software applications or hardware devices that provide performance and availability monitoring for data communication networks. These tools enable the collection of performance data over time, including features to conduct baselining, threshold evaluation, network traffic analysis, service-level reporting, trend analysis, and historical reporting.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Network infrastructure

On-premises automatic computing management tool:

On-premises automatic computing management tools are software solutions designed to automate the management of computing resources within an organisation's local infrastructure, such as on-site data centres or private cloud environments.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: On premises computing

On-premises automatic storage management tool:

On-premises automatic storage management tools are software solutions designed to automate the management of storage resources within an organisation's local infrastructure, such as on-site data centres or private environments.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: On-premises storage

On-premises computing measures tool:

An on-premises computing measures tool is a software designed to monitor and manage the performance, utilisation, and resources of traditional, locally hosted IT infrastructure, including servers, networking equipment, and storage devices, typically within an organisation's own data centre or private cloud environment.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: On-premises computing

On-premises computing provisioning and cleanup tool:

An on-premises computing provisioning and cleanup tool is software designed to efficiently allocate, configure, and manage computing resources within an organisation's local infrastructure. It facilitates the allocation and setup of computing resources to meet application or user needs, while also managing the identification, reclamation, and optimisation of unused resources, enhancing overall efficiency and performance in on-premises computing environments.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: On-premises computing

On-Premises storage provisioning and cleanup tool:

An on-premises storage provisioning and cleanup tool is a service designed to efficiently allocate, configure, and manage storage resources within an organisation's local infrastructure. It facilitates the provisioning of storage capacity to meet application or user requirements, while also managing the identification, reclamation, and optimisation of unused storage space, enhancing overall efficiency and performance in on-premises storage environments.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: On-premises storage

PaaS platforms (managed in a stack logic):

PaaS (Platform as a Service) platforms provide a cloud-based environment for developers to build, test, and deploy applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. They offer tools, libraries, and services that simplify app development, allowing developers to focus on coding while the platform handles servers, storage, networking, and runtime management.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud connection services (PaaS)

Public Wi-Fi:

Wireless internet connectivity provided in public spaces to allow individuals to access the internet using their Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Network infrastructure - Public Wi-fi

Real-time data analytics tool:

Real-time data analytics tools are tools designed to process and analyse incoming data streams in realtime, enabling immediate insights and actionable information through capabilities such as streaming analytics, complex event processing, and real-time visualisation.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Backend data SW application

Real-time data collection tools:

Real-time data collection tools are software designed to gather data from diverse sources in real-time or near real-time. Some real-time data collection tools also enable collecting geospatial data. Geo-time series data combines geospatial information (latitude and longitude) with temporal data.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Backend data SW application

SaaS software (managed in a stack logic):

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud-based model where software applications are delivered over the internet. Users can access and use the software through a web browser without needing to install or maintain it on their own devices. The service provider handles all updates, security, and infrastructure, allowing users to focus on utilising the software for their needs.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Cloud connection services (SaaS)

User authentication federation tool:

An authentication federation tool is a software solution or platform designed to facilitate and manage authentication federation in a secure and efficient manner. It enables seamless authentication and authorisation across multiple systems, applications, and domains. Some market examples are Azure Active Directory, OneLogin, among others.

The above object of procurement can be found in the following template: Data and security user-facing applications